If only neighboring countries in Asia or even in the world will eagerly help each other in addressing the food crisis that we are all undertaking, we can surpass this global problem.

In relation to this, President Gloria Arroyo has recently sought greater regional cooperation in the Asian region believing this is a strong tool in battling out the surging prices of basic commodities and food crisis. She has assured the Philippines will have sufficient rice supply in the coming months, along with the government’s efforts to control the prices of prime commodities.

Certainly, as I observed, the Philippines is not terribly hit by the crisis. Although prices have gone up, but there is no lack of rice supply. What I find stressing is that the value of Philippine peso is lower compared to a month ago. Everything seems to be in budgetary constraints. I am an above average wage earner. But I am experiencing the pain whenever I purchase my personal stuff or grocery. How painful would it be to those minimum wage earners, part-time workers or simply daily earners?

I am hoping that the Arroyo government is true to its words of securing food on the table to every Filipino family. As we live each day and the situation worsens, every hungry mouth will be a threat to the government. But if rising prices will be mitigated then rioting Filipino people will be pacified.

I agree to what Mrs. Arroyo said in her recent speech at the fellowship meeting of the Association of General and Flag Officers (AGFO) at Camp Aguinaldo.

The continuing efforts to work with our neighbors in the region will secure the country’s rice supply. This is true and many countries should do the same. Every country should extend all possibilities to seek assistance from a neighboring nation or simply suffer the consequences of starvation.

Since the food crisis is a global problem, it will be advisable for countries to share views and expertise in discussing the best practices and ideas available in combating the detrimental effects of the crisis.

No man should be an island in this crisis. Mrs. Arroyo said she is taking strong, swift and decisive action to mitigate the rising prices of Philippine prime commodities.

The Chief Executive said concerned government agencies have been instructed to look after price gouging; increase the rice supply in regions where it is necessary; start planting and undergo agricultural modernization; and continue giving rice subsidies to the poor.

If countries will only adopt effective and sound policies that they can get from global forums and discussions, I am sure this crisis will come to pass. So regional cooperation will save us from the bad effects of the crisis.